How a cuppa can keep workforce going

Workers in the North West are potentially damaging their productivity levels and wellbeing, as only four in 10 workers manage to take a proper tea break, according to new research out today.

A study of 2,000 British workers across the UK commissioned by Tetley, examined the nation’s approach to tea breaks and found that:

Fewer tea breaks reflect the increasing pressure people feel they are under at work

Honey Langcaster-James

* 70 per cent of those studied in the North West said they are too busy at work to take tea breaks;

* One in three workers in the North West believe that they aren’t allowed tea breaks;

* Twenty five per cent say they take fewer tea breaks in a typical day than five years ago;

*One in five workers in North West say they don’t take a tea break in case their bosses think they are slacking.

Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James commented: “Fewer tea breaks reflect the increasing pressure people feel they are under at work.

“Whereas in the past taking a tea break was seen as a valuable social activity in the office, it is now beginning to be seen as an unnecessary indulgence and waste of productive work time.

“Yet research has indicated time and time again that striking a balance by taking short breaks during the working day increases people’s productivity and creativity. This study of 2,000 British workers across the UK shows that 44 per cent of workers feel re-energised after a tea break, and 33 per cent feel more productive.

“The social aspect of the workplace tea break also serves to strengthen bonds between co-workers and increase feelings of wellbeing.

“British businesses need to take heed because this reduction in tea breaks could lead to a decline in harmonious workplace relations, employee satisfaction and an increase in stress related absenteeism and turnover.”

When it comes to the politics of the workplace tea round, 18 per cent of workers try to dodge tea rounds, with those in IT and accounts being the biggest culprits in the North West.

Meanwhile four in 10 British bosses NEVER make a tea round for their staff.